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Definitions

scratchy

[skrach-ee] / ˈskrætʃ i /
ADJECTIVE
harsh
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cracked discordant hoarse raspy raucous
WEAK
acrid asperous astringent bitter bleak cacophonous caterwauling clashing coarse craggy creaking croaking disagreeing dissonant disturbing dry earsplitting flat glaring grating grim guttural hard incompatible jagged jangling jarring noisy not smooth off-key out-of-key out-of-tune rasping rigid rough rugged rusty screeching severe sharp sour squawky strident stridulous tuneless uneven unlevel unmelodious unmusical unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
soft

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I’m feeling better,” McVay, with a scratchy voice, said after the game, adding that he attempted to take precautions to avoid spreading the bug to others.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

But she was scratchy for 39 balls before being bowled by Ecclestone, alongside Kavisha Dilhari, as each batter tried and failed to put her under pressure by sweeping or taking her down the ground.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2025

Bethell, who will become England's youngest captain when he leads an under-strength squad in Ireland later this month, looked scratchy and out of form against India, making six and five in his two innings.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2025

The sound is raw yet tuneful, with scratchy electric guitars and whomping live drums in place of the synth-ier, more intricately layered productions of “Love Hate Music Box.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

Bundled in a secondhand wool coat and gloves that were too big, Fadi loosened his scratchy scarf.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai